THE Toyota Auris is a car you buy with the head rather than your heart I read somewhere and that just about sums it up.
It’s certainly very worthy, with long life and huge reliability, but it is pretty dull to look at.
There is nothing much wrong with the way it drives. The ride is good and the handling and road-holding certainly gave me plenty of fun when I drove various models over the years.
Engines start with a 95bhp 1.4 petrol, but there are more of the 1.6 122bhp models out there for about the same price and these are lively, responsive and smooth.
Diesels are a 1.4 with 89bhp, that averages 56mpg but can be a little short on puff, and a 130bhp 2.0-litre which has much better performance and better economy.
At the end of 2008 a 1.33 super economy engine with more power replaced the 1.4, but be warned, use the performance and economy falls like a stone.
Interior
Different models have keyless entry and starting and all have a very good driving position, with excellent adjustment.
Minor instruments are in the centre of the two major dials, which works well and looks great, equipment is good and the gearchange and clutch are easy.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris
Price: Pay about £5,600 for an ’07 07-reg T3 5dr, or £8000 for an ‘09 59-reg LE 3dr
Mechanical: 95bhp, 1,398cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 12.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 163g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Renault Megane
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